noun
Uncommon
moan
mohn
Moan (noun) means a low, drawn-out sound expressing pain, sadness, or pleasure. Example: “A low moan came from the injured man on the ground.”
noun
1
A low, drawn-out sound expressing pain, sadness, or pleasure.
"A low moan came from the injured man on the ground."
verb
1
To make such a sound.
"She moaned softly as the doctor examined her ankle."
2
To complain, especially persistently or about small things.
"He's always moaning about the weather."
"Stop moaning and just get on with the work."
How to use moan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA low sound of pain or pleasure, or, informally, to grumble and complain.
When to use it
The "complain" sense is informal, common in British English.
Common pairings
moan about something
a low moan
moan and groan
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Word forms
- Plural
- moans
- Third person singular
- moans
- Past tense
- moaned
- Comparative
- more moan
- Superlative
- most moan
- Archaic forms
- moanest, moanedst, moaneth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A low _____ came from the injured man on the ground.
Etymology
From Middle English "mone," from Old English roots meaning "complaint" or "lamentation."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for moan
See all rhymes for moan →Frequently asked questions
What does “moan” mean?
The word “moan” means a low, drawn-out sound expressing pain, sadness, or pleasure. In plain terms, a low sound of pain or pleasure, or, informally, to grumble and complain.
How do you pronounce “moan”?
“Moan” is pronounced mohn (/moʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “moan” in a sentence?
Here is “moan” used in a sentence: “A low moan came from the injured man on the ground.”
What part of speech is “moan”?
Depending on how it is used, “moan” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “moan” come from?
The word “moan” comes from Old English. From Middle English "mone," from Old English roots meaning "complaint" or "lamentation.".
Is “moan” a common word?
“Moan” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “moan” have?
“Moan” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a low, drawn-out sound expressing pain, sadness, or pleasure.
